The New Century Handbook (with CD and MyCompLab)

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"The New Century, "Fourth Edition, meets students where they are-as writers and researchers in an electronic age. This handbook shows students how to use new technologies to make appropriate rhetorical choices and to become more successful college writers in all of their courses, while also providing clear, comprehensive coverage of handbook basics-writing, grammar and usage, research, and documentation.

Preface

xvii

Part 1 Writing

1

(171)

Writing in the New Century

1

(15)

Why write?

2

(8)

How do we communicate effectively?

10

(2)

How has technology changed the way we write?

12

(3)

How can this handbook help you with your writing?

15

(1)

Critical Thinking, Reading, and Viewing

16

(26)

Think critically

16

(4)

Engage actively and critically in the reading process

20

(16)

Engage actively and critically in the viewing process

36

(6)

Preparing

42

(24)

An overview of the writing process

44

(2)

Experiment and explore

46

(5)

Invent and prewrite

51

(7)

Gather information

58

(1)

Plan and organize

59

(6)

Try computer prewriting software

65

(1)

Composing

66

(18)

Review

67

(4)

Draft

71

(3)

Collaborate

74

(3)

Try composing with a computer

77

(3)

Review a student draft

80

(4)

Rewriting

84

(30)

Shift from writer to reader

84

(5)

Revise

89

(8)

Edit

97

(5)

Proofread

102

(1)

Give and receive feedback

103

(5)

Review a model student paper

108

(6)

Structuring Paragraphs

114

(22)

Write unified paragraphs

115

(2)

Write coherent paragraphs with clear patterns of organization

117

(9)

Write coherent paragraphs with sentence-linking techniques

126

(3)

Be consistent with verb tense, person, and number

129

(1)

Use parallelism to make paragraphs coherent

130

(1)

Decide on appropriate paragraph length

131

(1)

Link paragraphs with key words

131

(1)

Construct effective introductory and concluding paragraphs

132

(4)

Formulating Arguments

136

(36)

Formulate an arguable thesis

137

(5)

Consider your purpose and audience

142

(1)

Generate good supporting evidence

143

(10)

Take note of evidence for alternative views

153

(2)

Develop and test your main points

155

(2)

Build a compelling case

157

(2)

Avoid logical and emotional fallacies

159

(5)

Structure the argument

164

(3)

Electronic argument

167

(2)

Visual argument

169

(3)

Part 2 Research

172

(223)

The Research Project

172

(33)

Become a researcher

172

(5)

Schedule a time frame

177

(3)

Create a research notebook

180

(4)

Create a working bibliography

184

(5)

Gather background information

189

(6)

Conduct focused research

195

(10)

Using the Internet for Research

205

(25)

Use Internet sources throughout the research process

205

(2)

Get to know the Internet and the Web

207

(7)

Search the Internet and the Web

214

(10)

Model searches of the Internet and library databases

224

(6)

Evaluating Electronic and Print Sources

230

(13)

Choose legitimate sources

231

(7)

Follow a student's evaluation of Web links

238

(5)

Using Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism

243

(22)

Use sources responsibly

244

(5)

Paraphrase sources accurately

249

(4)

Summarize sources briefly

253

(5)

Quote sources sparingly

258

(7)

Writing the Research Paper

265

(41)

Review your rhetorical stance and thesis

266

(3)

Plan a structure

269

(1)

Write a draft

270

(3)

Review and revise your draft

273

(1)

Follow formatting conventions

274

(5)

Review an annotated student research paper

279

(27)

MLA Documentation Format

306

(45)

Document using the MLA system

308

(28)

Electronic media in MLA style

336

(15)

APA Documentation Format

351

(23)

Document using the APA system

351

(18)

Electronic media in APA style

369

(5)

CMS, CBE, and COS Documentation Formats

374

(21)

Document using the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) system

375

(9)

Document using the CBE system

384

(8)

Document using the COS system

392

(3)

Part 3 Writing in the Disciplines

395

(80)

Disciplinary Discourse

395

(8)

Disciplinary research

396

(3)

Disciplinary discourse

399

(4)

Writing in the Humanities

403

(27)

Know the different types of writing in the humanities

403

(2)

Writing interpretively or analytically about literature

405

(5)

Review some model student papers

410

(15)

Look to the Internet and the library for resources

425

(5)

Writing in the Natural Sciences

430

(24)

Know the different types of writing in the natural sciences

431

(2)

Write objectively about science

433

(1)

An example of a research report in CBE format

434

(15)

Look to the Internet and the library for resources

449

(5)

Writing in the Social Sciences

454

(21)

Know the different types of writing in the social sciences

455

(1)

Write persuasively about social science

456

(2)

Review a sample research report in APA format

458

(12)

Look to the Internet and the library for resources

470

(5)

Part 4 Design in Print and on the Web

475

(88)

Design Principles and Graphics

475

(26)

Follow the three basic design principles

476

(2)

Use formatting tools

478

(13)

Use graphics

491

(9)

Respect different norms and preferences

500

(1)

Designing Print Documents

501

(14)

Produce a simple brochure

502

(4)

Produce a simple newsletter

506

(9)

Designing Web Documents

515

(18)

Generate a basic design for the Web

516

(2)

Plan your Web document

518

(15)

Writing Web Pages

533

(30)

Methods used to construct Web pages

534

(1)

HTML editors and HTML codes

535

(24)

Evaluate and refine your Web site

559

(3)

Transfer your site to an Internet server

562

(1)

Part 5 Writing for Different Purposes

563

(76)

Email and Electronic Communications

563

(25)

Build community through electronic mail

564

(8)

Build community through online networks

572

(6)

Build community through instant communication

578

(3)

Use classroom Web tools

581

(5)

Collaborative writing online

586

(2)

Business Correspondence and Reports

588

(20)

Write concise and professional business letters

589

(3)

Write specifically tailored letters of application

592

(2)

Write densely but appropriately packed resumes

594

(7)

Write clearly organized reports

601

(3)

Write focused memos

604

(4)

Oral Presentations Using PowerPoint and Other Tools

608

(10)

Prepare thoroughly

608

(2)

Select visual aids carefully

610

(1)

Practice, practice, practice

611

(2)

Speak with enthusiasm and focus

613

(1)

Design overhead transparencies

614

(1)

Use PowerPoint effectively

615

(3)

Essay Exams

618

(10)

Prepare for an essay exam

618

(5)

Attend to the writing process

623

(2)

Review sample student responses to an essay exam question

625

(3)

Writing Portfolios

628

(11)

Learn about types of portfolios

628

(3)

Develop a writing portfolio

631

(3)

Prepare the final portfolio

634

(1)

A sample reflective cover letter

635

(4)

Part 6 Sentence Grammar

639

(75)

Word-Processing Tools for Improving Sentences

639

(9)

Use a grammar checker with caution

639

(4)

Use sentence revision applications

643

(2)

Use other applications

645

(3)

Sentence Structure

648

(21)

Learn to identify parts of speech

648

(8)

Learn to identify basic sentence patterns

656

(4)

Learn to expand sentences

660

(5)

Learn how to classify sentences

665

(4)

Pronoun Case

669

(8)

Use the subjective case when a pronoun functions as a sentence subject, clause subject, or subject complement

670

(1)

Use the objective case when a pronoun functions as an object

670

(1)

Test for pronoun case in compound constructions by using the pronoun alone

671

(2)

Choose the form for an interrogative or relative pronoun based on how it functions in its clause

673

(1)

Distinguish between possessive adjectives and possessive pronouns

674

(1)

Choose the case for a pronoun in a comparison based on how it would function in its own clause

675

(2)

Verbs

677

(20)

Learn the regular verb forms

677

(2)

Learn common irregular verb forms

679

(3)

Know how to use auxiliary verbs

682

(2)

Learn the verb tenses

684

(4)

Observe sequence of tenses

688

(3)

Use transitive and intransitive verbs correctly

691

(1)

Favor active over passive voice

692

(2)

Make sure verbs are in the proper mood

694

(3)

Agreement

697

(10)

Make verbs agree in number and person with their grammatical subjects

697

(5)

Make pronouns agree in number and gender with their antecedents

702

(5)

Adjectives and Adverbs

707

(7)

Use adjectives to modify nouns

707

(1)

Avoid overuse of nouns as modifiers

708

(1)

Use adverbs to modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, and clauses

709

(1)

Be aware of some commonly confused adjectives and adverbs

709

(1)

Use comparative and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs correctly

710

(4)

Part 7 Correct Sentences

714

(29)

Sentence Fragments

714

(7)

Make sentences grammatically complete

715

(2)

Connect dependent clauses

717

(1)

Connect phrases

717

(3)

Use sentence fragments only for special effect

720

(1)

Comma Splices and Run-On Sentences

721

(4)

Turn one clause into a subordinate clause

722

(1)

Separate clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction

723

(1)

Separate independent clauses with a semicolon

723

(1)

Separate independent clauses with a period

723

(2)

Pronoun Reference

725

(5)

Refer to a specific noun antecedent

725

(2)

Avoid vague use of this, that, which, and it

727

(1)

Avoid mixed uses of it

728

(1)

Be consistent with use of that, which, and who

728

(2)

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

730

(6)

Position modifiers close to the words they modify

730

(1)

Avoid ambiguity

731

(1)

Try to put lengthy modifiers at the beginning or end

732

(1)

Avoid disruptive modifiers

732

(2)

Avoid dangling modifiers

734

(2)

Faulty Shifts

736

(7)

Avoid unnecessary shifts in person and number

736

(1)

Avoid unnecessary shifts in verb tense, mood, subject, and voice

737

(2)

Avoid shifts in tone

739

(1)

Avoid mixed constructions

740

(1)

Create consistency between subjects and predicates

741

(1)

Avoid unmarked shifts between direct and indirect discourse

741

(2)

Part 8 Effective Sentences

743

(38)

Clarity and Conciseness

743

(10)

Avoid excessively long sentences

743

(1)

Avoid unnecessary repetition and redundancy

744

(1)

Use expletives only where appropriate

745

(1)

Use passive voice only where appropriate

745

(1)

Eliminate wordy phrases

746

(1)

Avoid a noun-heavy style

747

(2)

Choose words that express your meaning precisely

749

(1)

Use that to clarify sentence structure

750

(1)

Make comparisons complete and clear

750

(1)

Avoid multiple negation

751

(2)

Coordination and Subordination

753

(6)

Look for a way to combine closely related sentences

753

(1)

Coordinate related sentences of equal value

754

(1)

Subordinate less important ideas

755

(4)

Parallelism

759

(9)

Put parallel content in parallel form

759

(3)

Make all items in a list or series parallel

762

(1)

Use parallelism with correlative conjunctions

763

(1)

Use parallelism for comparisons or contrasts

764

(1)

Make parallel constructions complete and clear

764

(1)

Use parallelism to enhance coherence

765

(3)

Emphasis

768

(6)

Create emphasis through end-weight

768

(1)

Create emphasis through selective repetition

769

(1)

Create emphasis through contrast

770

(1)

Create emphasis through careful word choice

771

(1)

Create emphasis through punctuation or typography

772

(2)

Variety

774

(7)

Vary sentence length

774

(2)

Vary sentence structure

776

(1)

Avoid excessive repetition

776

(4)

Respect different standards and purposes

780

(1)

Part 9 Effective Words

781

(56)

Choosing the Right Words

781

(14)

Choose the right denotation

781

(3)

Choose the right connotation

784

(1)

Find the right level of formality

785

(2)

Avoid jargon, slang, or dialect

787

(2)

Avoid pretentiousness

789

(1)

Try to please the ear

790

(1)

Use figurative language thoughtfully

791

(4)

Language and Power

795

(9)

``Correctness''

796

(1)

Language and identity

797

(1)

Avoid biased gender references

798

(2)

Avoid biased language about race and ethnicity

800

(1)

Avoid biased language about age

801

(1)

Avoid biased language about other differences

801

(3)

Building a Powerful Vocabulary

804

(9)

Learn roots, prefixes, and suffixes

804

(4)

Learn denotations and connotations

808

(1)

Learn related words

809

(4)

Using a Thesaurus and a Dictionary

813

(10)

Use a thesaurus to find the exact word

814

(4)

Use a dictionary to learn about words

818

(5)

Spelling

823

(14)

Use a spell checker

823

(2)

Master troublesome homophones

825

(4)

Guard against common spelling errors

829

(2)

Learn general spelling rules and patterns

831

(6)

Part 10 Punctuation

837

(52)

End Punctuation

837

(6)

The Period

837

(1)

Use a period to mark the end of a statement

837

(1)

Use periods to punctuate initials and many abbreviations

838

(1)

Use periods to mark basic divisions in units and computer names

838

(1)

Avoid common misuses of periods

838

(2)

The Question Mark

839

(1)

Use a question mark after a direct request

840

(1)

Do not use a question mark after an indirect question

840

(1)

The Exclamation Point

841

(1)

Use an exclamation point to signal a strong statement

841

(2)

The Comma

843

(15)

Use a comma to set off an introductory phrase or clause

843

(1)

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction to separate independent clauses

844

(2)

Use commas between items in a series

846

(1)

Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives

846

(1)

Use commas to set off nonessential elements

847

(2)

Use commas to set off conjunctive adverbs

849

(1)

Use commas with dates, place names and addresses, titles and degrees, and numbers

849

(1)

Use commas with speaker tags

850

(1)

Use commas with markers of direct address

851

(1)

Avoid misuse of commas

852

(6)

The Semicolon

858

(4)

Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses not linked by a coordinating conjunction

858

(1)

Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses linked by a conjunctive adverb

859

(1)

Use semicolons in a series with internal punctuation

859

(1)

Place semicolons outside quotation marks

859

(1)

Avoid common semicolon errors

859

(3)

The Colon

862

(4)

Use a colon to introduce a list or an appositive

862

(1)

Use a colon to set off a second independent clause that explains the first

863

(1)

Use a colon to introduce a quotation

863

(1)

Use colons in titles

864

(1)

Use colons in business letters and memos

864

(1)

Use colons in numbers and addresses

864

(2)

The Apostrophe

866

(5)

Use apostrophes with nouns to indicate possession

866

(2)

Use apostrophes to indicate contractions and omitted letters

868

(1)

Use apostrophes to mark certain plural forms

868

(1)

Avoid misusing the apostrophe

869

(2)

Quotation Marks

871

(7)

Use quotation marks for exact direct quotations

871

(1)

Use quotation marks to suggest skepticism about a term

872

(1)

Use quotation marks to indicate shifts in register

873

(1)

Use quotation marks when citing titles of short works

873

(1)

Follow standard practice in using other punctuation with quotations

873

(3)

Avoid misusing quotation marks

876

(2)

Other Punctuation Marks

878

(11)

Parentheses

878

(1)

Use parentheses to insert parenthetical comments

878

(2)

Do not overuse parentheses

880

(1)

Use parentheses around letters or numbers to set off embedded lists

880

(1)

Dashes

881

(1)

Use dashes to highlight extra informational comments

881

(1)

Use dashes to set off important or surprising points

881

(1)

Confine yourself to one pair of dashes per sentence

882

(1)

Brackets

883

(1)

Use brackets to insert editorial comments or clarifications into quotations

883

(1)

Use brackets with the word sic

884

(1)

Use brackets to acknowledge editorial emphasis within a quotation

884

(1)

Use brackets for parenthetical comments within parentheses

885

(1)

Ellipses

885

(1)

Use an ellipsis to indicate a deletion from a quotation

885

(1)

Use an ellipsis to indicate a pause in a sentence

886

(1)

Use brackets around ellipses in quotations to differentiate them from the author's ellipses

886

(1)

Slashes

887

(1)

Use slashes to separate lines of poetry quoted within a sentence

887

(1)

Use a slash to show alternatives

887

(1)

Use a slash to indicate a fraction

887

(1)

Use slashes in Internet addresses

888

(1)

Use slashes in writing dates informally

888

(1)

Part 11 Mechanics

889

(23)

Capital Letters and Italics

889

(10)

Capital Letters

889

(1)

Capitalize the first word of all freestanding sentences

889

(2)

Capitalize all names, associated titles, and proper adjectives

891

(2)

Capitalize all significant words in titles

893

(1)

Follow the owner's preferences in capitalizing email addresses and URLs

893

(2)

Italics

894

(1)

Italicize titles of independent creative works

895

(1)

Italicize URLs and email addresses

895

(1)

Italicize names of vehicles

896

(1)

Italicize foreign words and phrases

896

(1)

Italicize words, letters, and numbers referred to as such

897

(1)

Italicize words for emphasis

897

(2)

Abbreviations and Numbers

899

(7)

Abbreviations

899

(1)

Abbreviate titles, ranks, and degrees only before or after full names

899

(1)

Use abbreviations after numerical dates and times

900

(1)

Use Latin abbreviations sparingly

900

(1)

Use acronyms and initialisms only if their meaning is clear

901

(1)

Avoid most other abbreviations in formal writing

901

(1)

Numbers

902

(1)

Use figures with abbreviations and conventionally numerical references

902

(1)

Write out other numbers that can be expressed in one or two words

903

(1)

Write out numbers that begin sentences

904

(1)

When one number modifies another, write one as a figure and the other as a word

904

(1)

Write related numbers alike

904

(2)

The Hyphen

906

(6)

Consult your dictionary on hyphenating compounds

906

(1)

Hyphenate compounds acting as adjectives before nouns

907

(1)

Hyphenate spelled-out fractions and numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine

908

(1)

Hyphenate to avoid ambiguity and awkward spellings

908

(1)

Use hyphens for end-of-line word division

908

(4)

Part 12 ESL Issues

912

(1)

Tips On Nouns and Articles

912

(8)

Use the plural only with count nouns

912

(2)

Use the for specific references

914

(2)

Use the with most proper nouns derived from common nouns

916

(1)

Use a or an in nonspecific references to singular count nouns

917

(1)

Use no article in nonspecific references to plural count nouns or noncount nouns

918

(1)

Use other determiners correctly

919

(1)

Tips on Verbs

920

(8)

Phrasal Verbs

920

(1)

Note phrasal verbs as you listen and read

921

(1)

Verb Complements

921

(1)

Learn which verbs take gerunds as complements

922

(1)

Learn which verbs take to infinitives as complements

922

(1)

Learn which verbs take both gerunds and to infinitives as complements

922

(1)

Learn which verbs take only unmarked infinitives as complements

923

(1)

Verbs of State

923

(1)

Do not use the progressive tense with verbs of state

924

(1)

Modal Auxiliary Verbs

924

(1)

Use only a base verb form immediately after a modal auxiliary

924

(1)

Do not use more than one modal at a time

925

(1)

Conditional Sentences

926

(1)

In factual conditionals, use the same verb tense in both parts

926

(1)

In predictive conditionals, use a present-tense verb in the if clause and an appropriate modal in the result clause

926

(1)

In hypothetical conditionals, use a past-tense verb in the if clause and would, could, or might in the result clause